Kelly has elevated women’s kayaking into new realms, blurring the distinction between the men and women when it comes to paddling. She is the first woman to kayak the Grand Canyon of the Stikine, probably one of North America’s most forbidding descents. She has run hairball gorges around the world with the best boys to ever kayak. The 30-year-old New Zealand native’s mad playboating skills round out her expeditionary prowess, ranking her among the top five female kayakers of all time.
What is your best training technique?
Go kayaking. Nothing beats time on the water. You need the muscle memory to develop technique. Experience is very important in this sport. It is very hands-on. You need to be kayaking to be good.
What is your worst injury?
I tore my medial meniscus and ACL in my right knee. I did this raft guiding over a 21-foot waterfall in New Zealand. It’s my worst injury because it keeps rearing its ugly head.
Most frightening moment?
My worst experience is anytime I have an out-of-control beating in a big scary hole. It is horrible when you are out of breath and unsure when – or if – the hole will release you. You just hold on because the swim is nasty and not really an option.
How do you push through mental fatigue?
I eat a Snickers bar.
What is the sickest thing you have ever seen?
Just a few weeks ago, my close friend and newly minted father Tommy Hilleke, pulls out into this steep, steep, full-on rapid (the rarely run Upper Death section of the Colorado River east of Glenwood Springs). I was sitting at the bottom, which was an impressive view. I was amazed he was doing it and he styled it, of course. It was very surreal.
Who do you admire most?
My friends who just love, love, love to kayak.
What music revs you up for a big contest?
I listen to a lot of New Zealand drum and base, like Salmonella Dub and Rhombus. New Zealand has a wicked music scene. This music makes me want to jump around and go hard.
Best advice you’ve ever received?
Just go out and paddle for yourself. Good advice while competing.
What do you know now that you didn’t know then?
They need me more than I need them.
